Star Wars fans saw a years-old wish fulfilled when the new LEGO Star Wars special teased an appearance from Darth Jar Jar, and they’re having a hard time believing it’s real.
The Dark Side version of everyone’s favorite Gungan showed up in a trailer for LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy today. While Duel of the Fates plays over footage of a flipped universe with X-wing-like TIE Fighters, the trailer’s biggest highlight sees Jar Jar dishing out threats with a red lightsaber in his hand. An evil version of the character has been a long-running joke among Star Wars fans, and now, Disney is officially including the character.
“Mesa going to hurt yousa,” Darth Jar Jar says when stepping off a Sith version of the Millennium Falcon.
It’s not quite the live-action Darth Jar Jar that some fans have theorized may exist, but it might be the closest we ever get. If you listen closely, you can also tell that original actor Ahmed Best returned to voice the character for the LEGO spinoff.
While Jar Jar was hated by many upon his Star Wars introduction, audiences have come to appreciate and even enjoy the character over time. Today’s Darth Jar Jar reveal shows that Lucasfilm is ready to celebrate the Gungan once again, with Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, even chiming in to share his excitement.
You had me at Darth Jar Jar.
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) May 6, 2024
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy arrives September 13, only on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/QK4yfznfJM
Darth Jar Jar being officially recognized by Lucasfilm was not on my 2024 bingo card pic.twitter.com/xAVQK2fu39
— Noah (@keldorjedii) May 6, 2024
They did it. They actually went and did DARTH JAR JAR! This is going to be the most insane LEGO Star Wars special by several hundred light years! ?? pic.twitter.com/DpvfvCmggC
— Donovan McComish (@DonovanMeade) May 6, 2024
It’s unclear how much screen time Darth Jar Jar will get, but his appearance proves that Disney is ready to continue showing Best some love. The actor also appeared as a Jedi named Master Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian Season 3. In a recent interview with People, he also explained that many of his Star Wars castmates enjoyed his Jar Jar voice when he revealed it during a table read.
In other Star Wars news, Jar Jar’s debut film, The Phantom Menace, celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. In addition to re-releasing the film in theaters, Disney has released new merchandise, such as a collection of new Funko Pop! figures. If those festivities aren’t enough for you, be sure to check out why fans thought Best would appear as Jar Jar Binks in a video game.
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy comes to Disney+ on September 13.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.
